One of the first decisions you’ll make when planning your Walt Disney World Vacation is where to stay. My family agrees that there are many reasons to stay at a Walt Disney World Resort Hotel. Staying onsite is the ultimate winning decision in terms of quality, convenience, perks, and often, price. It sets the stage for an easier and more magical Disney experience with none of the stress.
Quality
Regardless of which Disney resort you choose, you can feel confident that you will get a clean and well-maintained room. Along with beautiful grounds, guests can experience fun pools and activities with Disney’s attention to detail. If there is an issue, they work hard to make it right for their guests. Having traveled extensively and experienced various hotels nationwide, I can say that not every place prioritizes customer satisfaction like Disney. Relying solely on another brand’s reputation or price point may not guarantee the same level of quality and service.
Convenience
The location of Disney’s resorts can’t be beat, but that’s only one advantage. Transportation convenience and cost also play a significant role. Disney excels in this department by offering complimentary, convenient transportation on a regular schedule.
On the flip side, off-site guests relying on hotel shuttles must factor in extra time and costs. The pick-up locations at the theme parks can also be less convenient. For example, when visiting the Magic Kingdom, off-site shuttles and guests arriving by car need to park at the Ticket and Transportation Center; requiring an additional boat or monorail ride before arriving at the park.
Price
If you are considering staying off-site, you will want to pay attention to extra fees that drive up the actual cost per night. Most area hotels will advertise a lower price and then add various fees before you confirm your reservation. These fees often add $30-$60 or more per night to the cost of the hotel room, while fees can easily double the advertised price if you are looking at renting a home for your stay. Disney hotels do not add any extra resort or parking fees to the hotel cost.
Also, be aware of extra costs such as shuttles to the theme parks. Research what you might end up paying for rideshare options as a backup option. You may be unable to schedule a shuttle or it may not align with your schedule. These prices fluctuate throughout the day and are subject to surge pricing during the busiest times.
If you are driving a car, don’t forget about parking costs at the theme parks, which start at $30/day in 2024).
On-site Perks!
These perks below are only for guests staying at Walt Disney World hotel and really plus your vacation.
Early Theme Park Entry
Guests staying on-site (and at some Good Neighbor hotels) get to enter any of the four theme parks 30 minutes before off-site guests. Thirty minutes doesn’t sound like much, but that jumpstart to a park day can allow you to get 1 to 3 of the most popular rides knocked out with low wait times.
Early Access to Purchase Lightning Lanes
Guests staying on-site can purchase Individual Lightning Lanes at 7:00 am. Off-site guests have to wait until the park officially opens. With these popular attractions, this time advantage can make the difference between being able to ride that attraction or not during your trip!
Dining and Enchanting Extras Reservations
Dining and Enchanting Extras reservations can be difficult to get at many of the more popular restaurants. However, guests staying at a Disney resort can begin booking reservations 60 days before check-in for the entire length of their trip (up to 10 days).
Free Parking
Standard parking is complimentary at your resort for the length of your stay, as well as at the theme parks.
Free Resort Transportation
On-site transportation by bus, boat, monorail, skyliner, is provided for free to transport you from your resort hotel to the theme parks and Disney Springs.
MagicBands
MagicBands are offered at a discounted pre-arrival price if you stay on-site. While it isn’t a necessity for your vacation, it is convenient to scan for entry into each park, link to your Photopass and ride pictures, check in at Lightning Lane entrances and virtual queues, charge purchases, and unlock the door to your room.
Extended Evening Hours for Deluxe Resort Guests
Deluxe resort guests enjoy Extended Evening Hours on select nights at designated theme parks. This perk gives 2 extra hours to experience many of the attractions. Additionally, an extra virtual queue opportunity is available at 6 pm for TRON Lightcycle / Run at Magic Kingdom and Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind at EPCOT.
Resort Activities and Amenities
The resorts offer a variety of activities, both organized and spontaneous, ensuring you won’t be bored. You may even spot a Goofy or Pluto at a surprise character visit. There are also fun pools, pool games, movies under the stars, a bonfire with s’mores, crafts like tie-dye Mickey Mouse shirts and painting classes, and so much more. Each resort has an activity board with a schedule. I suggest taking a picture of it so that you can refer back to it when you’re out and about.
Disney Dining Plans
Disney Dining Plans can only be added to Walt Disney World Resort packages. The dining plan can give your vacation that all-inclusive feel, take the stress out of managing your dining budget, and even save you money!
Generous Booking and Cancellation Policies
Disney makes it easy to book a package by only requiring a $200 deposit. A package can include a room, tickets, and even a dining plan. Once secured, guests can start planning the details and dreaming of their magical vacation! You can even choose to make payments along the way with your travel planner or pay in full 30 days before arrival. You will also want to familiarize yourself with Disney’s flexible cancellation and change policies in case a trip must be canceled or rescheduled.
A Theme for Every Person
There are options to suit every style and taste, from over-the-top, larger-than-life, character figures at Art of Animation, to the sophisticated elegance of The Grand Floridian. The details are unmatched and so fun to discover. You can also visit other resorts to walk around, shop, or enjoy a meal, which might just help you discover the next resort where you will want to stay.
From the immersive theming to the exclusive perks and convenient transportation, the benefits make the experience easier and more memorable. The magic doesn’t have to end when you leave the parks. It can continue throughout your stay at a Disney Resort hotel, creating an unforgettable vacation for your entire family.
Reach out to Stacy McGrath at The Magic For Less at stacy.mcgrath@themagicforless.com or www.adventuresbystacy.com to find out which resort is right for you.
